Human Flourishing Blog

We are a very forgetful species. Hindrances – they stick with us. Those we remember. Difficult states of mind. But what is present, when the hindrances are not present in our mind. What arises then? Part of befriending the mind and a big part of having a continuous interest in meditation is to recognise the states of mind that are present, when the hindrances are absent. This is our mind too: blissful, energetic, open, spacious, concentrated, glad, calm and bright. Beyond the hindrances, there is a waking up to life that is vibrant and open.

Never really get started with anything? Things are never quite right for you? The hindrance of Sceptical Doubt stops you in your tracks. It is said to be the most difficult hindrance to overcome. Just to make it clear, we are not talking about being curious and asking questions, including questions that might be difficult for the other. This is not blind faith – believing everything a teacher or person of authority says. Inquiry and questioning belief systems were encouraged by the Buddha. Here we are talking about a desert of opportunity. Nothing arises and grows because nothing is practiced to the point that invites inquiry and questioning. And nothing is practiced long…

Monkey mind, seeing the waterfall, seeing the mental highway,……………and so forth The restless mind – don’t we all just know it. It pulls us in all directions and never rests where we are. When watching the restless mind over many sessions, you really start to wonder, ‘What is so uncomfortable/difficult/unpleasant in the present moment that we do not want to stay?’ Working with this hindrance and getting to know it might just about help you to understand, what it is that cannot be met in the present moment. And it might help you to find deep inner peace and a more quiet life. We do NOT have to act on…

It feels nice and cosy and you feel just a hint of drowsiness. Two seconds later, you are nodding off. Which was not your intention. I have actually seen (i.e. heard) people falling off their meditation cushion. And showing off their bruises on their forehead. Here a short video on how to avoid bruises on your forehead. 😉

Resistance, up-the-hill, constant battles, painful, unpleasant, judgemental, grumpy, impatient, angry, discontent, hopeless. Know any of this? Sometimes I feel, we live in a society that is constantly disgruntled. Nothing is ever good enough. Everything needs improving. Allegedly, we have improved a lot of things to make our lives easier. However, most of us feel that life becomes more and more complex. And complexity feels painful and we resist. With all our might. Here a short video on how to work with the hindrance of – well – let’s just call it negativity.

You sit down to meditate with the best of intentions. Feeling all positive and calm. Then Sense Desire starts whispering into your ears: Strawberry ice cream! Aaah! And warm chocolate to dip it into………… Last time i meditated I had this great opening. It felt so warm and compassionate and open……….. Yes, for sure, this is going to happen again……. this is why I meditate………..and then I will have these great understandings…………and all the wisdom in the world………………. And Megalomenia! 😉 Here is just about the problem. Sense Desire does not feel bad. It feels great and hence is very seductive. Here a video on how to recognise and work…

How to deal with difficult  mind states in meditation One of the most beautiful things to do during summer is outdoor meditation. Just imagine: the warm air surrounding you, a breeze of air on your skin, the sound of birds and scents of flowers blooming. However, most people tell me that they cannot meditate. There mind is much too busy. And – believe it or not – getting to understand that you are not in control of your mind is quite a deep insight. 2500 years ago this was called ‘seeing the waterfall’. In modern language we call it seeing the ‘mental highway’. Waterfall or not, Highway or not, our minds are busy.…